MAX ON LIFE

106. Is there a biblical way to handle finances in a marriage? My wife does a far better job of handling our finances than I ever could. I'm happy (relieved, in fact) that she is willing to do this. But my brother feels strongly that this is a godly man's responsibility. Is he right?

The New Testament gives two commands to husbands about their wives.

Love them (Eph 5:25, 28; Col 3:19).

Lead them (Eph 5:22, 24; Col 3:18; Titus 2:5; 1 Peter 3:1).

Love them and lead them; that's it.

Nothing about balancing the checkbook.

What's wrong with a husband who likes to clean the house or a wife who enjoys mowing the lawn? If a wife cleans out the garage, has the man been emasculated? Surely not.

If a husband loves his wife and cooks her dinner, is he less of a man than if he changes the oil? So a man loves cooking oil over motor oil! What's the big deal?

If your wife enjoys balancing the checkbook and taking care of the finances, let her. If you love her, encourage her to do something she loves.

Together, work out guidelines for spending. Pray with each other over big purchases. Determine the best investments you can both make.

A real man leads his wife to the things she loves to do.

By: Max Lucado